Palisson made his Test debut on tour to Australia in 2008 as an under-strength French squad was put to the sword by the Wallabies. He later won caps against the Pacific Islands, Australia and Argentina in the November Tests but disappeared from the international stage in 2009. In February 2010 he returned to the France side to face Ireland at the Stade de France but was forced from the field with a dead leg picked up when Jerry Flannery kicked him. Flannery was subsequently banned for the kick and Palisson returned to fitness in time to start against Wales in Cardiff, scoring an intercept try. He came to the attention of the French management at Brive and his ability to play wing and fullback made him a valuable asset.

In 2011 he started two of France's five games in the 2011 Six Nations and was later named in their 30-man squad for the 2011 World Cup. The winger started four matches for Les Bleus during the tournament, including the final against New Zealand. But during the 2011-12 season, where he was turning out for Toulon in the Top 14, he found himself more on the sidelines under new France boss Philippe Saint-Andre. He preferred Clermont's Julien Malzieu and Palisson made just one appearance during the 2012 Six Nations.